The greatest opportunity for our rural communities is an entrepreneurial mindset.  When everyone in a community has “the mindset” problems are solved, markets are fulfilled, jobs are created and communities grow. In Independence, I attribute the creation and development of Fab Lab ICC to an ever-growing circle of entrepreneurial thinkers. 

Such was my message as a panelist on Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Kansas Rural Opportunities Conference in Dodge City recently. 

When I began developing the Successful Entrepreneur Program at ICC back in 2006, I looked at entrepreneurship only through the lens of small business ownership.  But, in about 2010, I began to realize that “entrepreneurship” is a mindset, a way of thinking that everyone needs.  I began to realize that rural communities need to become more entrepreneurial in the way they think about the problems and challenges of the new economy.  In my 5- minute introduction, I presented a rapid-fire list of “Top 10 Tips to Develop Entrepreneurial Mindset” in a community. 

1. Become a community of entrepreneurial thinkers

a. Informal weekly entrepreneurial gatherings, such as the Entrepreneurs Brown Bag Lunch and Breakfast series in Independence and Coffeyville. 

2. Become a Network Kansas “E-Community” 

a. Gap financing for start-ups and existing businesses 

3. Don’t spend big money on consultants or business recruiters 

4. Initiate Entrepreneurial Mindset training for community members 

a. “Ice House” entrepreneurship program for community members and college students 

b. “Youth Entrepreneurs” for high school students 

c. “Catfish Tank” challenge for elementary and middle school students 

 

5. Invite youth to come home 

a. Give high school graduates a mail box as a future welcome home 

6. Develop your own “Shark Tank” scenario 

a. Instead of consultants, use your use funds to sponsor start-ups 

7. Learn about SBIR/STTR grants for small for-profit entrepreneurs 

a. Some very small mom/pop operations have been successful

b. Kansas Small Business Development Centers can help 

8. Work with Network Kansas to offer the “Economic Gardening” initiative to established businesses ready to grow to the next level 

9. Promote the beginning steps of business succession planning 

a. Help businesses “tune up” and stay responsive to the market long in advance of preparing to sell 

10. Build a Fab Lab or other Maker Space 

a. Every community has enough money to support one when people realize what it will mean for community pride and the local economy

 

As good things start to happen in these “entrepreneurial mindset” communities, businesses and individuals from outside become interested in coming to town to become a part of the action. 

Jim Correll is the director of Fab Lab ICC at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship on the campus of Independence Community College. He can be reached at (620) 252-5349 or by email at jcorrell@indycc.edu. Archive columns and podcasts at www.fablabicc.org.